What Jesus Did! 'A New Kind of Fishing' — Mark 1:16-18

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee. Jesus saw Simon and Simon's brother, Andrew. These two men were fishermen, and they were throwing a net into the lake to catch fish. Jesus said to them, "Come and follow me. I will make you {a different kind of} fishermen. You will work to gather people, {not fish}." So Simon and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus.
— Mark 1:16-18 NLT
Illustration of Mark 1:16-18 NLT — "Come and follow me. I will make you {a different kind of} fishermen. You will work to gather people, {not fish}."

Key Thought

I don't know about you, but I love to fish. However, fishing is a hobby, not my livelihood. What Jesus is saying to these fishermen is that he is going to take their livelihood and transform it into a way to change people's lives for God. Now these fishermen completely left their fishing boats behind, at least for awhile. Most of us, however, he asks to stay in our vocations and let him show us how to bless others and bring God into their lives. If we are going to follow Jesus, then we are going to see his transforming power show up in our workplace and in our influence among those around us. "Follow me!" Jesus is asking you and me. Will we follow him ... especially at work and school?

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, give me the vision to see the opportunities you place before me to bless others and share your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • 1 Peter 3:13-16
  • Acts 8:4-5

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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